Title : Spillover at the edge: Mapping zoonotic disease risk in the wildland-urban interface
Abstract:
As urban expansion continues to reshape landscapes in the United States, the wildland-urban interface (WUI)—areas where human settlements meet undeveloped wildlands—is emerging as a critical zone of human-wildlife interaction. These zones present not only ecological challenges but also public health risks, particularly the potential for zoonotic disease spillover. This study explores spatial patterns of zoonotic disease emergence in relation to WUI intensity across the southeastern U.S., a region undergoing rapid land-use change. Using a combination of high-resolution structure-based WUI maps and outbreak data from ProMED, I employ spatial analyses in ArcGIS to identify hotspots where human-wildlife contact may elevate spillover risk. Demographic data is integrated to further assess community-level vulnerability. Though results are forthcoming, the project aims to provide early warning maps and highlight zones of concern for conservation and public health planning. This work bridges conservation, epidemiology, and spatial science, offering a One Health perspective on managing disease risk in a changing landscape.
